Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
DAY SIXTEEN
Today was walking day...all in all we covered 21.3 miles on foot according to my keep fit app on my generic mobile handset. There was purpose involved, to see the sights of Saigon...but perhaps the map was slightly misleading!
We turned up for breakfast at 0910 hours, as it ended at 0930. Apparently we should've been earlier, as there was nothing left except a pancake each. I grumbled a bit to be honest, as we couldn't even utilise the backup plan of Vegemite application on a wheat based substance, as there was no bread at all.
Before we left the hotel, Jasmine asked if we could have deduction off the room bill as we didn't get anything, that we would have to purchase breakfast elsewhere.The response was, and I quote ' if you don't like it, go to another hotel', and that we should've been on time. The rant stops there, as the Bruce temper was close to flaring, especially on an empty stomach and dry throat!
An hour walk took us to the Chinatown, which strangely is an extremely poor place. Any Chinatown I've been to has been grand, slick and very much self promoting, but here, the area was run down, jaded and needing a lick of paint.Even though weave see poverty I vietnam regularly,I haven't witnessed this type. This area looks like Mike Tyson after 20 cans of red bull has beaten the crap out of it. There is obvious and outward heroine use, and everyone, including babies trying to sell you something! By scratching the surface, you can see that this place was probably visually stunning, chic and wealthy many years ago, but with the influx of investment near the harbour and in other districts,it has been forgotten about. Extremely fascinating to view, and I wouldn't say that the inhabitants of this area are unhappy, as all the trading, buying and selling seems to drive them. There is a huge atmosphere, especially in the markets, which it now understand to be the origin of all the crap you are being peddled with on a daily basis. Some of it is okay, but why would anyone want to be a hat made out of a coke can? Maybe just not me.....
Next stop was the Reunification Palace, which again is basically an ode to the defeat of the former government, and the success of communism. It is quote grand, but also trapped severely in the 70's, as it has been left in the original decor from the day the VC tanks piled through the front gates.
The museum of Vietnamese history was the next port of call. Now this place, even for non lovers of museums was bloody incredible. It was originally a private collection of a Vietnamese couple who left it to the city in their will, as they preferred that the collection stayed in Vietnamese hands and not into foreign buyers hands.
There were artefacts dating back 50000 years ago and some, from Egypt to China to Cambodia and Vietnam etc etc......their house must of been full. I'm sure they must of built a few extensions throughout their time! When you view these items, you have to admire the mastery of the craftsmanship - definitely a time where people cared about what they presented!
The day drew to a close fairly sharp, as both of us where cream crackered!
- comments